And then you have to cast one vote for one guy based on a multitude of issuses, assuming you are aware and understand and care about a multitude of issues.

Which means electing people on their character is as good as anything else. Ultimately, the best you can do is to choose people that you can trust will make the right (informed) decisions when the time comes, and that will be transparent about it.

Can the last politician to go out the revolving door please turn the lights off?